The physical closure of schools due to COVID-19 is taking a toll on our most precious resource; our children. The impact has been more significant among the children between the ages of 4 -10 years and children from low-income families. A recent analysis has shown that that the students, on average, could fall behind in their learning by almost seven months, with 10 months lost for best students and inability to access online class and over 12 months for low-income students. As we approach the beginning of a new school year, in unprecedented times, the stakes could not be higher.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure our children get the education they need and deserve. There is no better time to pave a new path forward than now; one that will not only provide immediate solutions to short-term challenges but will resolve long-standing, systemic obstacles inherent in our public school system.
While we understand there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, we must, together, create a new vision upon which there is equitable access to learning for every child — whether that be physically in a classroom, or virtually. For this reason, we are calling on ourselves and others, from educators to administrators and parents to innovators, to come together and embrace the following core tenets to ensure that education takes the lead and continues to provide all of our students with the highest-quality education possible.
A focus on equity by assuring that students with the highest levels of personal and family need to receive top priority. We cannot compromise the level of individualized service and one-on-one support these students require under remote learning scenarios or hybrid models.
ERADICATING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE that is prohibiting tens of thousands of children from gaining equal access to remote and hybrid education. Plans can only be successful if every student can connect with teachers virtually. There is a need for states to make strides with grants to schools for student access to devices and connectivity. Additionally, these should lead to a longer-term instructional innovation and greater effort to increase digital literacy for all students. By prioritizing equity and embracing innovation, we can help students overcome this crisis and thrive in a new economy.
